A Collector

Mission: Quirk Hunt

Izuku Midoriya sat in the dimly lit room of the lair, the flickering shadows dancing across the walls like ghosts of his former self. It had been months since he accepted All For One's offer, months since he embraced a path that twisted his dreams of heroism into something darker yet strangely exhilarating. He had become a vessel for power, his body and mind adapting to the quirks he absorbed.

The air felt heavy as he awaited the inevitable summons. All For One had plans, and he knew they required the unique talents he had been cultivating. The old man had an aura of authority that sent shivers down Izuku's spine, yet there was a strange comfort in the control he now wielded.

"izumura shigaraki." came the smooth, resonant voice called his new name. Izuku straightened, instinctively feeling a rush of anticipation mixed with dread. All For One stepped into the light, his imposing figure cloaked in dark fabric, the mask hiding his true face only adding to the air of menace.

"I have a task for you," he continued, his voice almost melodic. "A mission that could help empower you."

Kirigiri matirulied a portal, Izuku stood before Kurogiri's swirling portal, the dark mist swirling like a living entity. The air shimmered with an otherworldly energy, and he felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was his first aculay mission, and he knew the stakes were high. He had to acquire quirks from a place he'd never been while being hunted, and the first target was just a step through that portal.

"Are you ready, Izumura Shigaraki?" he asked, his voice smooth and almost soothing.

Izuku took a deep breath, nodding. "Yes. I'm ready."

 Izuku stepped into the portal, feeling the cold mist envelop him. It was a strange sensation, as if he was being pulled apart and reassembled at the same time. Moments later, he emerged on the other side, disoriented but quickly regaining his bearings.

He found himself in a bustling city, the sounds of cars honking and people chatting filling the air. The vibrant neon lights illuminated the night, creating a stark contrast to the darkness he had just left. Izuku felt an adrenaline rush as he realized he was in the heart of the city where his first target lived—a young hero known as Starburst, who possessed a quirk that allowed her to manipulate and amplify light.

He glanced at the map on his tablet, which guided him toward her location. The streets were alive with energy, but as he walked, a part of him felt the weight of his mission. He had once admired heroes like Starburst, dreaming of being one himself. Now, he was here to take something from her.

With resolve, he moved through the crowd, blending in effortlessly. The thrill of the hunt was palpable, yet a nagging doubt tugged at his heart. But he pushed it aside, focusing on the task ahead.

As he neared a small café where Starburst was known to frequent, he spotted her sitting at a table outside, a radiant smile lighting up her face as she spoke with a friend. Her bright hair seemed to shimmer under the café's lights, and for a moment, he hesitated. She looked so normal, so unassuming.

Taking a deep breath, Izuku approached the table, putting on his best friendly smile. "Hey there! Mind if I join you?"

Starburst looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes, but her smile remained. "Sure! I'm always up for meeting new people. I'm Starburst."

"Izuku," he replied, forcing his voice to remain steady. "I've heard a lot about you. Your quirk is amazing." 

"Thanks! It's really fun to use. I love helping people with it," she said, her enthusiasm infectious. Izuku felt a pang of guilt as he remembered his true purpose.

"Yeah, I can see that," he said, trying to keep the conversation light. "Do you often come here?"

"Whenever I can. It's a nice place to unwind after a long day of training," she explained, her eyes sparkling with passion. "Being a hero is tough, but it's so rewarding."